News

...on the topic of role models

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
While many people think of role models as famous figures or historic personalities, each and every one of us has the opportunity to be a role model in everyday life. Even as a teenager, you have the ability to inspire your peers and those younger than you. Here are a few steps to becoming a Teenage Role Model.

Steps

Select a role model for yourself. If you want to be an inspirational person, think about the people who inspire you. Do a little brainstorming. Why do you admire them so much? What is the message they send through their actions? How can you have a similar affect on others?

Build your confidence. As you start to consider how you can be a role model, try to develop faith in yourself as a person. What are your strengths? What do you do well? Remember that even simple attributes in yourself can have a drastic affect on others. Ponder your strengths and develop an image of who you are and who you want to be.

Develop your own style. As you gain confidence in yourself as a person, develop an attitude to match. Don't just try to fit into "subcultures." While there is nothing wrong with having a group of friends who share your interests, try to be your own unique person. Be yourself. Don't try to change for anyone, develop confidence within yourself. Just be yourself and feel confident.

You'll inspire others if you are a trailblazer rather than a follower. People admire someone who makes decisions for themselves, rather than under peer pressure. Always think of how you want to be. Always try to better yourself, for you, not for someone else - always room for improvement.

Stay Humble. Role models don't brag about their accomplishments. Don't expect to see the results of your actions in others right away, if ever. You cannot force someone to adopt you as a role model, often times those who most admire you will be shy and lack their own confidence. A role model does not seek "fans" or popularity, they simply seek to be a nice person. Do not put other people down or shun others with your new found confidence. People such as this hurt others, instead of inspiring them.Don't become arrogant. Your "style" and personality should be augmented by your respect for others. Being a role model means placing yourself on a pedestal.

Play the role you create for yourself. Once you have a good positive image of yourself and your relationship with others, stick to it! Remember this shouldn't be an act, it is a way of living. Let your desire to be a role model guide you in everything you do, from the decisions you make about drugs and alcohol, to the effort you put into sports.

Tips

Don't become arrogant. Your "style" and personality should be augmented by your respect for others. Don't think being a role model means placing yourself on a pedestal.

Don't try to "force" anything. You don't need to worry about what other people think, simply worry about yourself. Other people will accept you as a role model or not, you cannot force this.

Be yourself. Remember none of this should come at the expense of you. Don't try to change for anyone, develop confidence within yourself.

Just be yourself and feel confident in what you do. Don't copy what others are doing, stand out. If people copy it just proves that they're insecure and not original unlike you! =)

Warnings

Sometimes, role models inspire jealousy and envy. Other people will envy the care you take in your own life. Do not let this discourage you.

Never allow someone to force you into something to "become a role model". Independence inspires others more than compliance.

Don't let people tell you who to follow! Fight peer pressure! Choose your own role model!